Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
The effects of webcams on German neonatal intensive care units - study protocol of a randomised crossover trial
Nadine Scholten1, Sebastian Bretthauer2, Kerstin Eilermann3
1University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute for Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Eupener Str., 129 50933, Cologne, Germany. nadine.scholten@uk-koeln.de.
Insights
Webcams in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can support parents and staff, but their implementation requires careful consideration of potential impacts. This study evaluates webcam use in German NICUs to guide best practices.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Medical technology evaluation
- Parental well-being
Background:
- Separation of parents and premature infants in NICUs negatively impacts well-being.
- Webcam use in NICUs is being explored as a potential solution.
- Understanding effects on parents and staff is crucial for implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate webcam use in German NICUs.
- Assess impacts on parents and clinical staff.
- Identify barriers and moderators for webcam implementation.
- Develop practical guidance for webcam use.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods approach with qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (questionnaires, observations) data.
- Randomised cross-over design for effect assessment.
- Involvement of 4 NICUs and parents of 730 premature infants.
- Evaluation of effects on nursing staff workload and workflows.
Main Results:
- This study represents the largest multicentre evaluation of webcams in NICUs.
- Systematic assessment of webcam implementation effects on parents and care providers.
- Data will inform decisions on promoting and implementing webcam technology.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based guidance for webcam implementation in NICUs.
- Mitigation of potential negative consequences through education and policy.
- Informed decision-making regarding the adoption of webcam technology in neonatal care.
Background:
The separation of parents and their prematurely born children during care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of the parents and also of the children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of webcams on NICUs and to conduct a systematic assessment of their possible effects on parents and clinical staff. In addition, it aims at determining the need for webcams in German NICUs and to identify possible barriers and moderators. The development and evaluation of practical guidance for the use of webcams will enable the comprehensive education of clinical staff and parents and, as a result, is intended to mitigate any potential undesirable consequences.
Methods:
The study will be based on a mixed methods approach including all groups concerned in the care. Qualitative data will be collected in interviews and focus groups and evaluated using content analysis. The collection of quantitative data will be based on written questionnaires and will aim to assess the status quo as regards the use of webcams on German NICUs and the effects on parents, physicians, and nursing staff. These effects will be assessed in a randomised cross-over design. Four NICUs will be involved in the study and, in total, the parents of 730 premature babies will be invited to take part in the study. The effects on the nursing staff, such as additional workload and interruptions in workflows, will be evaluated on the basis of observation data.
Discussion:
This study will be the largest multicentre study known to us that systematically evaluates the use of webcams in neonatal intensive care units. The effects of the implementation of webcams on both parents and care providers will be considered. The results provide evidence to decide whether to promote the use of webcams on NICUs or not and what to consider when implementing them.
Trial Registration:
The trial has been registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS). Number of registration: DRKS00017755 , date of registration: 25.09.2019.
